steam radiator heat...questions (washer, heating, install, room)

[bradykp]

OK, so it's been a long time since I've enjoyed steam heat. And at that time, I wasn't responsible for maintaining it. Now, I am.

I went to my local hardware store, and bought 3 new valves for the radiators upstairs. The nice guy that runs the store told me I needed model "6" for upstairs. 5 is for downstairs, and 4 is for the room with the thermostat in it. Sounds good. I don't know what the previous homeowner did, but he had a variety on the radiators upstairs. I can't tell if they were the right models or not, but some were round, some were like a cylinder. Some had holes in the top, some seem completely sealed. The new ones are all round, and all have a hole in the top. Steam, obviously, escapes through this hole. It's a slow spray. It definitely made the radiators quieter, to just a simple hiss instead of the obnoxious sniffing noises they made before.

Question 1 - any reason why some have holes, and some do not?

Also, I bought a replacement connection from the pipe to the radiator for one of the ones downstairs, because the handle is not there. so i figured, rather than turning it by hand with a tool every time, i'd just get a replacement. I don't have the proper wrench to do it, so I'll pick that up.

Question 2 - any benefit to replacing these valves? I was watching on This Old House that it's good to go in there, clean it up, and replace the washer (he used a liquid or something instead of a regular washer).

Question 3 - What are these thermostatic radiator valves? are they worth it? can i install them myself?

Thanks!

[windtimber]

Visit heatinghelp.com.

Then look at the books available...for instance Heating Help (http://www.heatinghelp.com/products/Books/5/68/Lost-Art-Of-Steam-Heating - broken link) and Heating Help (http://www.heatinghelp.com/products/Books/5/61/We-Got-Steam-Heat-A-Homeowners-Guide-to-Peaceful-Coexistence - broken link)

These guys know steam! I own an antique steam heating system and the information has been a great help.

[Bergenite]

Every air vent has a hole in it to let the air escape. The vent shouldn't be releasing a significant amount of steam. The pressure in the boiler could be too high.

I wouldn't worry about the radiator shut off valve for now, unless it's leaking. You leave the valve wide open all the time.

I would first try to regulate and balance the system with the air vents rather the thermostatic valve. Make sure there are some vents on the steam piping, too.

[bradykp]

working on the air vents for now. one is particularly tough to get off.

thanks for the website windtimber. i'll check it out tonight!

[brien51]

Originally Posted by Bergenite

Every air vent has a hole in it to let the air escape. The vent shouldn't be releasing a significant amount of steam. The pressure in the boiler could be too high.

I wouldn't worry about the radiator shut off valve for now, unless it's leaking. You leave the valve wide open all the time.

I would first try to regulate and balance the system with the air vents rather the thermostatic valve. Make sure there are some vents on the steam piping, too.

Spot on...Regulate the boiler pressure and temperature evenly before you begin to fuss with all of your valves. As for the one that has no handle, it was likelay a wooden one that cracked and broke long ago. Leave it open and replace it in the off season when you aren't heating the house.

Nothing like a good steam system but the pressure and water levels are always is important, as well as the release valves. So long as the valves are working, leave them alone and once again, make notes during the heating season and fix everything during the summer. Good luck.

[bradykp]

thanks. yeah, i mostly replaced the ones i need. i bought a new handle for the on/off valve. the air vents...i'm just gonna try to get this last one off. it's tough.

thanks for the tips!